Wogayehu Dubale v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2018)

Wogayehu Dubale filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on October 6, 2015. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report stating that he did not contest that Mr.

Dubale was entitled to compensation. The respondent acknowledged that Mr.

Dubale satisfied the criteria set forth in the revised Vaccine Injury Table for GBS following an influenza vaccine, with onset within the specified time period. Based on the respondent's position and the evidence, the Chief Special Master found Mr.

Dubale entitled to compensation. Subsequently, a decision awarding damages was issued.

The respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, indicating that Mr. Dubale should be awarded $165,000.00 for pain and suffering and $223,132.36 to satisfy a State of California Medicaid lien.

Mr. Dubale agreed with the proffered award.

The court awarded a total of $388,132.36, comprising the lump sum for pain and suffering and the amount to satisfy the Medicaid lien.